Maybe it’s all the spooky stories we’ve heard, but there’s a special feeling in the air once the sun goes down in Edinburgh. People flock to the pubs, restaurants and cocktail bars and it feels like the city truly comes alive. And while we love a good after-hours tipple, there are also loads of nighttime activities that don’t result in a hangover the day after. No matter what you’re into, there are countless things to do at night in Edinburgh, and you can discover some of our favourites below.
1. Get spooky on a nighttime ghost tour
Edinburgh’s jam-packed with haunted sites, so it only makes sense that there are loads of immersive ghost tours available across the city. One of our top after-dark ones is the Evening of Ghosts & Ghouls by Mercat Tours. Guided by a master storyteller, you’ll explore Edinburgh’s Old Town and its eerie history and folklore. Descend into Blair Street Underground Vaults, hear spooky stories of guts and gore and then sip on a Scotch whisky, a Skeleton Blues hazy IPA or a Scottish-made soft drink.
2. Have a laugh at a comedy club
We all love a good chuckle and Edinburgh’s full of comedy clubs that pretty much guarantee a giggle. Places like Monkey Barrel Comedy and The Stand Comedy Club both have shows that run until 12am and comedy greats including Kevin Bridges and Fern Brady have performed here in the past. Doon The Stair is another popular spot that opens Thursday-Saturday until 11pm and showcases emerging talents from Scotland and around the world.
3. Experience a gorgeous live music tribute by Candlelight
Live music, thousands of candles and diverse programmes are all on the cards at Candlelight concerts in Edinburgh. Performed by classically trained musicians, songs by the likes of ABBA and Queen sound inside the city’s most magnificent settings, such as Ghillie Dhu and St Mary’s Cathedral. Get ready to sit back, relax and immerse yourself in the magic of live music by candlelight.
🎟️Get your tickets to Candlelight in Edinburgh here.
4. Catch a late-night screening at the cinema
Edinburgh’s got as many independent picture houses as it does major franchise cinemas. Cameo Picturehouse in Bruntsfield puts on later screenings starting at 9pm and members can watch the latest flick for as little as £1 a pop. The retro-style Everyman Edinburgh boasts comfortable velvet couches as well as table service so you can enjoy drinks and snacks without having to leave your seat. And of course, you can catch more late-night screenings in cinemas such as ODEON on Lothian Road and Vue at Ocean Terminal.
5. Challenge your friends at a retro arcade
NQ64 Arcade Bar is one of those places you could spend all day (or night) in. It’s open seven days a week until 3am, so you and your mates can play retro arcade machines and consoles to your heart’s content. There are driving simulators, fighting games, pinball machines and much more to keep you busy for a few fun hours. And in terms of food and drinks, they’ve got wines and beers as well as spirits and sodas and they serve pizzas until 9pm.
6. Have a late-night tipple
One thing Edinburgh isn’t short of is bars. And let’s have it right — discovering the waterholes in the area is one of the best things to do at night in Edinburgh. There are rooftop bars, cocktail bars, quirky bars and more. Basically any type of bar that exists, you’ll find it somewhere in the city. Places like Hey Palu, Nauticus and Panda & Sons are open until around 12am-1am if you’re searching for a fun night without heading to the club.